Shipping: Training

Julian Brazier: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he plans to make a public response on the joint proposals submitted to his Department by the Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus UK and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers stimulating seafarer training and employment; and whether his Department has costed these proposals.

Paul Clark: The Government are committed to maximising employment opportunities for UK seafarers.
	The proposals for improving the training and employment opportunities for UK seafarers submitted by the trade unions and industry are being discussed with colleagues across Whitehall. However, even with an increased contribution from industry, funding remains a key issue.
	In 2008-09, the Government made available through the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme some £12.4 million which equated to around 43 per cent. of the training costs of UK officer cadets. The proposals call for an increase to SMarT funding to 100 per cent. of all training costs.